South Africa, Vanuatu Seek Stronger Cooperation on Trade, Climate and Global Issues

September 24, 2026 10:58 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Ezra Toara.

South Africa and Vanuatu are looking to strengthen bilateral cooperation, with trade, investment, climate change and collaboration in international forums identified as key areas for closer engagement.

The discussions came as South Africa’s newly accredited High Commissioner to Vanuatu, Johnny Sexwale, presented his credentials to President Nikenike Vurobaravu at the State House in Port Vila yesterday.

High Commissioner Sexwale said South Africa was committed to working closely with Vanuatu and strengthening relations between the two countries.

He highlighted South Africa’s potential as a destination for investment and tourism and encouraged greater engagement between the people and businesses of the two countries.

“South Africa remains an attractive destination for investment and tourism,” Sexwale said.

He also said South Africa, as a country that trades extensively with the rest of the world, remained open to increasing trade with Vanuatu.

Beyond bilateral trade, Sexwale highlighted the importance of cooperation in multilateral forums, saying South Africa and Vanuatu share common interests in promoting international peace, stability and sustainable development.

He said the two countries could work together in addressing global challenges, particularly climate change and international peace and security.

President Vurobaravu welcomed the new High Commissioner and said Vanuatu attaches great importance to its cordial and friendly relations with South Africa.

“As fellow members of the South, our relationship is strengthened by our shared commitment to peace, sovereignty, equality among nations, and the principles of multilateralism,” President Vurobaravu said.

He acknowledged South Africa’s support for Vanuatu in international forums and its continued commitment to ensuring that the concerns and aspirations of developing countries are considered within the international community.

President Vurobaravu identified sustainable development, climate change, ocean governance and advancing the interests of Small Island Developing States as areas where the two countries share common interests.

He said cooperation through international and regional forums provides an important platform for Vanuatu and South Africa to support each other and promote a fairer and more inclusive international system.

The President also expressed Vanuatu’s interest in identifying new areas of bilateral cooperation that could create greater opportunities and benefits for the people of both countries.

“As you commence your diplomatic mission here in Vanuatu, please be assured of the full support and cooperation of the Government of the Republic of Vanuatu,” he said.

Sexwale said he looked forward to experiencing Vanuatu’s history and culture while also sharing South Africa’s diverse heritage and traditions with the people of Vanuatu.

He is accredited to Vanuatu as well as New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa and the Cook Islands.